In the wake of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on April 22nd, which claimed the lives of 26 people, India launched "Operation Sindoor" targeting what it says were terrorist infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The operation, executed in the early hours of Wednesday, May 7, 2025, involved precision missile strikes on nine locations.
Following the strikes, Prime Minister Narendra Modi briefed his Cabinet ministers, describing the operation as "a perfect strike" and a "moment of pride" for the country. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also shared details of the operation during the cabinet meeting. According to government sources, Modi closely monitored Operation Sindoor throughout the night.
The name "Operation Sindoor" carries significant symbolism. "Sindoor" is the Hindi word for vermilion, a red pigment that married Hindu women apply to their foreheads as a symbol of marriage. The Pahalgam attack, where terrorists reportedly segregated victims by religion and killed them in front of their families, particularly impacted Hindu women who were left widowed. The operation's name is meant to honor those who lost their husbands in the attack. An image released by the Indian Army depicted "Operation Sindoor" with one of the "O's" represented by a bowl of vermilion, some of it spilled, symbolizing the loss suffered by the wives of the victims.
According to Indian government sources, the targeted locations were associated with banned outfits such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen. The government stated that no Pakistani military facilities were targeted. Some of the specific locations that were attacked include: Sarjal camp and Mehmoona Joya camp in Sialkot, Markaz Taiba camp in Muridke, and Markaz Subhanallah in Bahawalpur.
Pakistan has condemned the strikes, claiming that the Indian missiles hit six cities, including four in the Punjab province, marking the first time India has targeted Punjab since the 1971 war. Pakistani authorities stated that at least eight people were killed and 35 injured in the attacks. Pakistan's military also claimed to have shot down five Indian planes, a claim that India has not yet responded to.
Tensions have escalated, with reports of heavy firing and shelling along the Line of Control (LoC). Pakistan's Punjab province declared a state of emergency, with hospitals and security forces on high alert and schools closed. Srinagar airport was also closed for air traffic.
The international community is closely watching the situation, with the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres calling for maximum restraint from both sides. Several countries have also issued travel warnings for Pakistan.
